Happy Monday to one and all : )

I was kindly invited by the talented artist Claire Leggett to take part in the ‘Around the world creative blog hop’. I ashamedly had to admit that I hadn’t heard about the idea, it’s basically when different artists, designers, makers etc hop onto other creative blogs and answer the same four questions. They then pass the idea onto three other creative peeps who’s blogs they like. A great idea I thought, as you also get to find out a little more about what the people you admire are up to too ! For starters, here’s a little of Claire’s work.

The first question is  What am I working on ?

Well right now, as usual, a number of different things. Firstly I’m doing some graphic packaging design illustration for a company called Aduna, who I’ve done some work for previously. It is still a little hush hush so I can’t show you the new work, but this is the design that I created for them last year, which is already selling in Selfridges and Liberty.

Then I’m working on a new card range for my agents Yellow House Art Licensing based on bears.

And also illustrating some classic book covers, for my own portfolio development.

I was particularly happy with this one as I’ve been trying out a new way of illustrating with a more retro/mid century feel to it. I finally hope that I’ve cracked it !

The second question is How does my work differ from others of its genre ?

This is a difficult question to answer, as there is such a mixed array of illustrators work out there. I’d say that my work is bound to be similar to some illustrators and less like others. I also feel that I don’t have one style or way of working that defines me as an illustrator, whether that is a good or bad thing I’m never quite sure. I would hope that my art always shows a degree of wit, charm and humour (which I feel is always important) as well as being pleasing for the eye and soul too : ) But only my audience can be the true judge of that : )

Thirdly, Why do I write / create what I do ?

Why do I write my blog ? well the answer to this is simple. Firstly because I can and by that I mean that I’m in the lucky position of having a totally free reign to be able to write about whatever I find inspirational to me.

Secondly, I feel that the work I select of other designers / makers / illustrators should be seen by as many different people as possible, because it’s relevant, beautiful and most importantly, makes me (and clearly those who read and follow my blog)  …. happy !

Thirdly I write my blog to feel part of and gain the support of, a larger artistic community. Who, in turn, appreciate similar things and give one another valuble opinions, comments and introductions to other lives and illustrative work that I would never have encountered had I not started Fishink Blog. Don’t be under any misunderstanding about writing for a blog, it takes a lot of hard work to create the three posts a week, but I really enjoy the process and love sharing other creatives beautiful and amazing work, that alone drives me to keep doing it.

Why do I create ? For most of the same reasons really. I love working with different surfaces that I can put my illustration onto. Whether they appear as textile designs, graphic packaging, fabrics, stationery /paper products or even as framed artwork. It’s all different parts of me as a designer. To express all those different sides of my artistic self, is clearly both important and creatively nurturing too. More available on my Fishink Site.

Finally, How does my writing/illustration/creative process work ?

Well I would normally start off with sketching in one of my many sketchpads. I repeat shapes and ideas until I produce a few that I’m happy with, sometimes I can even do this whilst watching TV or listening to music. I’m not always inspired to draw, but often I find that by selecting different media to work with, or having a book that isn’t considered ‘precious’ in terms of what marks end up on it’s pages, can I feel more inclined to work freely.

The images I’m happiest with will then be used as they first appear or scanned into photoshop and redrawn or altered until I get the finished effect I’m seeking. I may decide at this point, whether the character is more suitable for a card, print or all over repeat. I hope you enjoyed finding out a little about the process behind the Fishink Mask lol

So enough about me, I’ve passed on the baton or Blog hop challenge to a few of my blogging friends, who should be publishing their own blog hop adventures on their posts on monday 18th August.

The first is Stained glass artist Jane Littlefield who also writes a creative blog hi-lighting her processes and the classes she teaches. She makes some incredibly rich and colourful art, do check out her classes and website.

The second is a relatively new blogger and friend Lizzie, who’s site, called Dream Discover Italia, is all about living in Italy (at the moment Venice). You can gather a sense of it’s culture and local happenings from an English gal abroad ! Wonderfully peppered with interesting photographs and snippets of news and knowledge that she’s gleaned only by being there.

My third nomination nomination is to  Laura Weston who’s blog is wonderfully honest and descriptive, but could really do with an update, as we don’t all tweet to the same degree as you Laura lol.  Let’s hope this is a positive prompt to see some of Laura’s fab new work on her blog. (sorry Laura, no pressure at all then !) : )

Thanks to Claire for the suggestion for this post in the first place and to everyone who has (or will or may) take part in the worldly creative Blog Hop. I love seeing and hearing how other people work. Keep up the great community vibe everyone and keep spreading the FISHINK word too.